Word
eastward
Phoneticseast·ward, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈistwɝd/
UK/ˈiːstwəd/
Adverb of place
Definition
adv. toward the east. You use this to describe moving or looking in the direction of the sunrise.
adv. moving, facing, or situated toward the east.
Examples
“The ship sailed eastward into the rising sun.”
“After crossing the mountain range, the pioneers continued eastward across the vast plains toward the coast.”
“The storm system is expected to track eastward throughout the afternoon, bringing heavy rain to the coastal regions by nightfall.”
Examples
simple
“The ship sailed eastward into the rising sun.”
contextual
“After crossing the mountain range, the pioneers continued eastward across the vast plains toward the coast.”
complex
“The storm system is expected to track eastward throughout the afternoon, bringing heavy rain to the coastal regions by nightfall.”
Usage
Often functions as a directional adverb; can also be used as an adjective before a noun.
Pitfall
He walked to eastward
He walked eastward
Directional adverbs ending in -ward do not require the preposition 'to'.
Real-World Examples
“Here, a river system built a delta that protruded eastward into the seaway.” “A zone of wet weather will move eastwards across England and Wales on Saturday, although drier and brighter conditions may spread from the west later.” Etymology
From Middle English estward, from Old English ēastweard, ēasteweard; equivalent to east + -ward.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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